Article 40

• Every child or young person accused, or convicted, of committing a crime must be treated with respect.
• Every child or young person accused, or convicted, of committing a crime must be treated in a way that helps them to respect the human rights of others.
• Every child or young person must be treated as innocent until found guilty.
• Every child or young person should be told as soon as possible why they have been arrested and charged with a crime.
• Every child or young person accused of a crime must be given immediate access to a lawyer.
• No child or young person can be forced to give evidence in a court.
• Every child and young person has the right to an interpreter if they do not understand the country’s main language.
• The child and young person’s right to privacy must be fully respected at all times.
• Governments must set up a separate criminal justice system for children and young people.
• Governments should promote a minimum age of criminal responsibility.
• Wherever possible, children and young people in trouble should not have to go to court.
• Courts should always try to avoid sending children and young people to institutions.
• There must be many ways to help children and young people in trouble with the law, including care, guidance and counselling.